He is passionate about using his gifts of preaching, teaching, spoken word, and encouragement to equip people to reflect, experience, and reach others with the life-changing goodness of God. âIâve always known that I wanted to do something evangelistic, to share the gospel outside of a Christian context. You canât preach if youâre not connected to people who arenât churched, and being engaged outside of the church allows you to keep your finger on the pulse of your community.â
Charles says, âIâm in a Philosophy & Religion department teaching students who donât have any meaningful experience with the Gospel. I think itâs probably better for students to hear about world religions from someone who is a believer, and I have an authentic presence there as a Christian. I teach all 5 major world religions, and when I get to Christianity, I preach the gospel, and Iâm fully free to do it. I pray before and after class that when these students are in dark places, the Holy Spirit would spark the remembrance of this class discussion that says the Lord loves them and that He died for them. Iâve had students come to my church, or ask me questions about faith two semesters after theyâre in my class. Once theyâre not my student anymore, Iâm in full pastor mode and Iâm able to share the gospel in a meaningful way. Itâs freeing to be in a space where I can be authentically myself and I believe the Lord has put me in these positions where I can be a witness.â
Charles comes from a strong academic background wherein he is pursuing a Doctor of Ministry Degree from Fuller Theological Seminary. âAt Princeton, I did a thesis on âCharismatic Expressions in the Black Presbyterian USAâ, and Iâm currently researching the role of African Americans in houses of prayer and renewal movements for my D.Min at Fuller.
What Iâve discovered is that there are a lot of Black pastors in all of these historic renewal spaces and that thereâs a missing component of the African American voice in all the revivals that have happened throughout the 20th century; Iâve seen their contributions go unrecognized by the Vineyard and other renewal movements. We talk about revival names, but not necessarily William Seymour from Azusa. We hear Randy Clark and Bill Johnson, but not Sean Smith or David Ireland, who have shared these stages. Thatâs something Iâve struggled with as an African American who is fully engaged in these trends and as a historian of them.ââ
Charles shares this encouragement with fellow believers from the Westminster Shorter Catechism: The chief end of humanity is to glorify and enjoy God forever. âIâve realized that in ministry itâs really important to remember that we get to enjoy what we do. There are the rigors of work, but there has to be a preservation of the enjoyment of God and remembering that we get to do this, not that we have to.â
Book recommendations:
I Am your Sign by Sean Smith
The Kneeling Warrior by David Ireland
Soul Care by Rob Reimer
âThe value of the micro church/house church model is that we should just be organically Christian wherever we are planted, in our neighborhood and our job. I want to allow whatever flows out of my relationship with Jesus to draw people to me, and trust the Holy Spirit to do what she does in those encounters.â
God gave her a vision of a birdâs eye view of Los Angeles with pinpoints on neighborhoods affected by the constellation of micro churches they will plant. They will start with one church in her home, with established weekly rhythms focusing on Lectio Divina, centering prayer, communal meals, and the form of outreach that best fits each Neighborhood Abbey church as they are planted. âI want to build a church that is fostered through a genuine love for people who then find themselves in love with Jesus.â
Andrea is hoping that Neighborhood Abbey will be a welcoming and safe environment for the de-churched. âThereâs a misconception that people who are deconstructing donât love Jesus, when really theyâre often struggling with the way Christians act or things theyâve experienced in church.
Contemplative practice in a home environment, and this emphasis on relationships both horizontal and vertical, lends itself to people who are de-churched because it doesnât look like the place where they were traumatized. It makes it an easier onramp back to relationship with Christ.
I think itâs a shame the way people talk about deconstructing, in a dismissive and sarcastic way, as if thereâs something wrong with doubts and questions. If we believe that this is truly a relationship with Jesus, we have to be allowed to ask real questions and learn to trust Jesus, to know who He really is. People need to be allowed to call Him to the carpet and find Him true. Itâs a really beautiful process. People need to know that God is fully comfortable with their doubts and questions, their anger and frustration, their sense of exile.â
In addition to her work with Neighborhood Abbey, Andrea is also currently a board certified chaplain at her alma mater, Fuller Seminary, where she earned her MAT and previously a chaplain at a trauma center for over a decade.
She is also a spiritual director, having completed her training through Sustainable Faith. She believes that contemplative practices provide us with open pathways to hear from God more clearly and to know Him more deeply.
When sheâs not busy with work & ongoing church planting team meetings, she can be found spending quality time with her two cats, Her Grayce & Lady Louise (Lulu). She enjoys a good steak, making cocktails, and entertaining friends at home. Most recently she has begun training to walk El Camino Santiago this summer.
Book recommendations:
Kaleidoscope: Broadening the Palette in the Art of Spiritual Direction by Rev. Ineda P. Adesanya
Our Unforming: De-Westernizing Spiritual Formation by Dr. Cindy S. Lee
Gary says, âThe theology Jesus presents in the Bible is not a theoretical theology, it is a practical theology. It is a Kingdom theology where we get in the middle of the mess; we pray, and we get involved. We get our hands dirty in order to see the Kingdom come. That is the passion of my life. I am not a leader in name or title only. I donât care about the position; I care about âIs this world being transformed? Is Luke 4:18 a reality?â If the poor, sick, marginalized, and incarcerated are not a part of our theology, our gospel message, and our actions, if weâre not actually impacting the lives of those people, then I believe we have a false faith, a counterfeit Christianity.â
Gary currently serves as Lead Pastor of the Mercy Vineyard Church in Minneapolis, MN where they are serving local schools, partnering with food distribution services to end local childhood hunger, supporting local children who have a parent currently incarcerated, and getting involved in community life throughout the Twin Cities to have a Kingdom impact. âThe Gospel is the only way to make lasting change and transformation. There are thousands of nonprofits trying to fix problems. Without the Gospel, theyâre putting bandaids on things that need to be surgically repaired.â
His encouragement to Black pastors and leaders in the Vineyard is to not give up. âWe have something to offer this challenged country, and in the moments of unsettled racial tension in our nation. Stay the course, but always stand up and advocate for yourself.â His encouragement to those who are not Black is to give voice to those who are Black in your congregation. âWe need more than just allies, we need advocates.â
Gary is the husband of the beautiful LeKita Scott Dawkins and father to the brilliant Grace. They love cooking together and playing Monopoly. He earned his MBA degree from Syracuse University and Master of Communications Management from Morgan State University, a Historically Black University (HBCU).
Born and raised in Davenport, IA, she was introduced to the Vineyard movement in 2012, graduated from high school in 2014, and then entered college on a full-ride scholarship for Music Education. While attending college she (and others around her) felt God’s leadership call on her life, and she made the decision to leave school and accept a job offer from her home church at the young age of 19. Alex has been the worship pastor at the Vineyard Church of Davenport ever since. This was a big âyesâ to the Lord, and while there have been some hard moments, she loves being in ministry and is grateful for where the Lord has placed her.
Other âyesesâ she regularly gives include sharing the words the Lord lays on her heart for others, speaking up and engaging in the hard conversations that she knows will bring health and growth to her church and relationships, and holding fast to the path that the Lord is leading her on. Alex has seen a lot of growth in herself through being intentional with asking questions of those around her who have been leading with integrity and courage for a long time and says that being a part of the Black Pastors and Leaders Association has been a special connection, as it provides a safe place to process and learn from people who have a similar cultural experience.
Alex is passionate about leading people into the presence of God at her local church and with the broader Vineyard movement. She has worked with Vineyard Worship for several years and was a featured voice on Vineyard Soul: Generous God, Breathe In, Sing Out, and she also appears on other anticipated Vineyard Worship releases in 2023.
Alex’s book & worship leader recommendations: Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer and worship leader Naomi Raine, besides all our wonderful Vineyard Worship leaders.
Dr. Carter G. Woodson, an author, historian, journalist and founder of the Journal of Negro History, launched the first Negro History Week in February 1926. The week originally occurred during the second week of February to coincide with the birthday of Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and that of Frederick Douglas (February 14), both of which were dates Black communities had celebrated together since the late 19th century.
 Dr. Woodson was the second African American to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard University (W.E.B. Du Bois was the first), and is known as the father of Black history. He wanted to see the teaching of the history of Black Americans in the nationâs public schools, particularly to African American children. Negro History Week later became nationally recognized as Black History Month in the mid-1970s, partially due to efforts at Kent State University in Ohio.
 As a result of these and other efforts, many are now aware of the African (American) contribution to the wealth in this nation as well as numerous scientific, cultural, and literary contributions that all Americans benefit from today. And, African Americans continue to make remarkable contributions in every sector of American life through economic progress, culture, religion, and the arts. This needs to be celebratedâand not just in February.
Learn more at the Black Pastors & Leaders Association
Unfortunately, Black History Month has been the subject of criticism from both Blacks and people of other races. Some argue that it is unjust and unfair to devote an entire month to a single people group. Others contend that we should celebrate Black history throughout the entire year. Setting aside only one month, they say, gives people license to neglect this history for the remaining eleven months.
Despite the objections, though, I believe some good can come from devoting a season to remembering a people who have made priceless deposits into the account of our nationâs history. Here are 3 reasons (certainly there are many more!) why we should celebrate Black History Month.
It pains me to see people overlooking Black History Month because Black historyâjust like Latino, Asian, European, and Native American historyâbelongs to all of us – Black and white, men and women, young and old. The impact African Americans have made on this country is part of our collective consciousness. Contemplating Black history draws people of every race into the grand and diverse story of this nation.
In the United States itâs quite easy to say that Black History started with slavery. Nothing can be further from the truth. Black History is a rich, cultural history replete throughout Biblical writ, and also transcends African-Americans. There are numerous groups of Africans, Jamaicans, Haitians, Dominicans, Brazilians and others residing in the United States regarded as Black and who share stories of both celebration and overcoming oppression. Many of these stories also include our white siblings (and other ethnicities) who have advocated for human rights and an end to unfair practices that target Blacks and other ethnic groups (abolitionists and Underground Railroad participants, for example). Hence, an integral part of understanding Black history is celebrating American progress and should fill all communities in this country with pride and joy-not just African Americans.
It also gives occasion for us to ask the question: in what ways have we either remained quiet recipients of privilege or not spoken up when we witness acts of injustice to others, regardless of their color or ethnic heritage. It challenges us to answer afresh: how do we fulfill what God requires of us: to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God? How do we reimagine both present and future to reflect the Kingdom of God in our communal context(s).
As believers we should see racial and ethnic diversity as an expression of Godâs manifold beauty. No single race or its culture can comprehensively display the infinite glory of Godâs image, so He gave us our differences to help us appreciate His splendor from various perspectives. Godâs common and special grace even work themselves out in the providential movement of a particular raceâs culture and history. We can look back on the brightest and darkest moments of our past and see God at work. God is weaving an intricate tapestry of events that climax in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And one day Christ will return. On that day we will all look back at the historyânot just of a single race but of people from every nation, tribe, and tongue âand see that our Creator had a plan all along. He is writing a story that points to His glory, and in the new creation, His people wonât have a month set aside to remember His greatness. Weâll have all eternity.
Born and raised in Davenport, IA, she was introduced to the Vineyard movement in 2012, graduated from high school in 2014, and then entered college on a full-ride scholarship for Music Education. While attending college she (and others around her) felt God’s leadership call on her life, and she made the decision to leave school and accept a job offer from her home church at the young age of 19. Alex has been the worship pastor at the Vineyard Church of Davenport ever since. This was a big âyesâ to the Lord, and while there have been some hard moments, she loves being in ministry and is grateful for where the Lord has placed her.
Other âyesesâ she regularly gives include sharing the words the Lord lays on her heart for others, speaking up and engaging in the hard conversations that she knows will bring health and growth to her church and relationships, and holding fast to the path that the Lord is leading her on. Alex has seen a lot of growth in herself through being intentional with asking questions of those around her who have been leading with integrity and courage for a long time and says that being a part of the Black Pastors and Leaders Association has been a special connection, as it provides a safe place to process and learn from people who have a similar cultural experience.
Alex is passionate about leading people into the presence of God at her local church and with the broader Vineyard movement. She has worked with Vineyard Worship for several years and was a featured voice on Vineyard Soul: Generous God, Breathe In, Sing Out, and she will also appear on other anticipated Vineyard Worship releases in 2023.
Gary says, âThe theology Jesus presents in the Bible is not a theoretical theology, it is a practical theology. It is a Kingdom theology where we get in the middle of the mess; we pray, and we get involved. We get our hands dirty in order to see the Kingdom come. That is the passion of my life. I am not a leader in name or title only. I donât care about the position; I care about âIs this world being transformed? Is Luke 4:18 a reality?â If the poor, sick, marginalized, and incarcerated are not a part of our theology, our gospel message, and our actions, if weâre not actually impacting the lives of those people, then I believe we have a false faith, a counterfeit Christianity.â
Gary currently serves as Lead Pastor of the Mercy Vineyard Church in Minneapolis, MN where they are serving local schools, partnering with food distribution services to end local childhood hunger, supporting local children who have a parent currently incarcerated, and getting involved in community life throughout the Twin Cities to have a Kingdom impact. âThe Gospel is the only way to make lasting change and transformation. There are thousands of nonprofits trying to fix problems. Without the Gospel, theyâre putting bandaids on things that need to be surgically repaired.â
His encouragement to Black pastors and leaders in the Vineyard is to not give up. âWe have something to offer this challenged country, and in the moments of unsettled racial tension in our nation. Stay the course, but always stand up and advocate for yourself.â His encouragement to those who are not Black is to give voice to those who are Black in your congregation. âWe need more than just allies, we need advocates.â
Gary is the husband of the beautiful LeKita Scott Dawkins and father to the brilliant Grace. They love cooking together and playing Monopoly. He earned his MBA degree from Syracuse University and Master of Communications Management from Morgan State University, a Historically Black University (HBCU).
Born and raised in Davenport, IA, she was introduced to the Vineyard movement in 2012, graduated from high school in 2014, and then entered college on a full-ride scholarship for Music Education. While attending college she (and others around her) felt God’s leadership call on her life, and she made the decision to leave school and accept a job offer from her home church at the young age of 19. Alex has been the worship pastor at the Vineyard Church of Davenport ever since. This was a big âyesâ to the Lord, and while there have been some hard moments, she loves being in ministry and is grateful for where the Lord has placed her.
Other âyesesâ she regularly gives include sharing the words the Lord lays on her heart for others, speaking up and engaging in the hard conversations that she knows will bring health and growth to her church and relationships, and holding fast to the path that the Lord is leading her on. Alex has seen a lot of growth in herself through being intentional with asking questions of those around her who have been leading with integrity and courage for a long time and says that being a part of the Black Pastors and Leaders Association has been a special connection, as it provides a safe place to process and learn from people who have a similar cultural experience.
Alex is passionate about leading people into the presence of God at her local church and with the broader Vineyard movement. She has worked with Vineyard Worship for several years and was a featured voice on Vineyard Soul: Generous God, Breathe In, Sing Out, and she will also appear on other anticipated Vineyard Worship releases in 2023.
Alex’s book & worship leader recommendations: Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer and worship leader Naomi Raine, besides all our wonderful Vineyard Worship leaders.
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